Don’t take goiter for granted

Remember the late Senator Dr. Juan Flavier? Who can forget this diminutive man whom Senator Loren Legarda once described as “bigger than life”? A well-loved public official, Johnny Flavier was passionate about his health campaigns. One of his top advocacies was for us to take iodized salt (he said salt is not a sin) because iodine deficiency is one of the leading causes of goiter, preventable mental retardation, and loss of IQ points.

Usually, a goiter awareness week is celebrated nationwide, but how much do you really know about what’s referred to as an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland?

Dr. Francis Mangonon, Healthway Medical’s senior manager, clinic operations, answers some oft-asked questions on goiter:

The Philippine Star: Is goiter hereditary?

Francis Mangonon: Yes. Studies prove that thyroid diseases can be hereditary. If a patient’s family has a history of goiter, then there’s an increased chance that the patient will have it as well.

What are the signs and symptoms to watch out for?

The most obvious sign of goiter is the visible swelling at the base of the neck. Other signs and symptoms include tight feeling in the throat due to thyroid enlargement, coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty in swallowing and breathing due to the compression of the esophagus. There may also be dizziness when the arms are raised above the head.

If the goiter is caused by a low level of thyroid hormones, the patient may experience personality changes, cold intolerance, hair loss, forgetfulness, and weight gain. But there are also cases of goiter that don’t have symptoms at all. This is why it’s still best to consult a doctor from time to time.

How can it be diagnosed?

Goiter can be discovered by simply checking the neck and feeling any enlargement of the thyroid gland, but in order to be certain about the case, tests may be undertaken to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and abnormal antibodies of the patient. There are also imaging tests that help scan and examine the thyroid, such as ultrasonography, thyroid scan, and biopsy.

What are the implications of having goiter?

Patients should not take goiter for granted because although it may not immediately cause pain, it may constrict the breathing passage when the swelling worsens, making breathing and eating difficult. You also need to understand that the hormones our thyroid glands produce help regulate our metabolism and manage the use of fats and carbohydrates in our body. Goiter may also cause a hormonal imbalance, which in turn may lead to irregularities in metabolism, body temperature, appetite, and sleeping habits, among others.

What are the causes of goiter?

There are two leading causes of goiter. First, when the patient experiences hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes overactive that leads to the excessive production of the thyroid hormone. This hormone is beneficial for metabolism, breathing, heart rate, nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other functions in the body.

Conversely, if the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of the thyroid hormone, also known as hypothyroidism, it may also cause goiter. It occurs when 1) the immune system damages the thyroid gland and 2) the patient lacks iodine, which is the primary element used in producing thyroid hormones.

Is it true that people who have goiter tend to either gain or lose weight?

Yes. Because goiter can be caused by hormonal imbalance, it affects the patient’s metabolism and appetite, which in turn causes weight loss and weight gain.

How can these underlying causes be treated?

There is not much we can do to combat the abnormality in our antibodies, but we can combat iodine deficiency by eating foods that are rich in iodine, like dairy products, seafood, meat, some breads, and eggs.

Are there any alternative treatments one can do at home?

Instead of relying on home remedies, it is best to consult a doctor. That way, the patient can detect goiter early and prevent it from worsening. The doctor will assess the appropriate treatment method needed for the patient. Among the possible recommended treatments are the removal of the thyroid gland, intake of radioactive iodine, and aspirin medication to treat the inflammation.

Does a poor diet contribute to making one prone to goiter?

Yes, when the patient does not consume food with enough iodine.

Is there any prescribed diet?

Since  iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter, patients are recommended to regularly eat foods that are rich in iodine, like iodized salt, cheese, potatoes, yogurt, and tuna.

Patients should also refrain from eating too much hormone-inhibiting foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

Is it curable?

Yes. It is best to consult a doctor first to properly gauge the gravity of a patient’s goiter as treatment will depend on this. It will also help prevent the condition from worsening. Among the possible recommended treatments are removal of thyroid gland, intake of radioactive iodine, and aspirin medication to treat the inflammation.

Any important advice you would like to share with our readers in relation to this disease?

Busy patients who find it difficult to make time for doctor consultation can count on Healthway’s mall-based clinics for convenient, excellent healthcare. It’s got complete laboratory and imaging services designed not only to help patients detect thyroid problems but also other diseases, ensuring that patients’ health is in tip-top condition. We also have executive check-ups — HealthCheQ and PrimeCheQ — that evaluate the overall health and wellness status of patients for early detection and treatment of diseases. Healthway designed all these to encourage Filipinos to take charge and be the CEO of their own health.